Bridge writers can be predictable, but some use the chameleon system of bidding. They make the bid that fits the hand they have, not what their convention card says. For example, in today’s deal, what should North rebid with his hand?
One writer said that he must bid two diamonds, fourth suit game-forcing, because a three-heart rebid would be only game-invitational. He sarcastically called it modern bidding. But what would he have done with ace-doubleton of spades and six hearts to the king-queenjack? No doubt he would have recommended a gameinvitational three hearts!
The advantage of two diamonds is that you hear another bid from partner (here, three clubs, to show the long suit) before continuing with three hearts.
Over the writer’s forcing three-heart rebid, South might well bid three notrump, which North would probably pass. Then they would miss a makable sevenclub contract.
After fourth-suit-forcing, the auction over three hearts would probably continue three no-trump – four clubs – four diamonds (control-bid) – four hearts (control-bid) – Blackwood – six or seven clubs.
Admittedly, in seven clubs, South must guess the play. With this layout, he must establish dummy’s heart suit. You can work out the play.
The key point is that with strain and level uncertain, keep the early bidding as low as possible.
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